Dnata snaps up Gold Medal Travel Group from Thomas Cook

Dnata has announced it has acquired one of the UK’s leading travel businesses, Gold Medal Travel Group from Thomas Cook Group.

Gold Medal Travel Group is a market-leading distributor of scheduled long-haul products.

In addition to the leading trade brand, Gold Medal, as part of this acquisition dnata also gains control of the award-winning OTA Netflights.com, and the high-end travel brand Pure Luxury.

“dnata’s growth strategy aligns well with Gold Medal Travel Group - its comprehensive travel services complement dnata’s established international travel offering, and will further enhance the proposition we offer our customers be it to trade, corporates or individuals,” said Iain Andrew, divisional senior vice president, dnata’s travel business.

“Gold Medal Travel Group is a successful company, with strong products supported by an excellent management team, and a compelling business strategy.

Based in Preston, UK, Gold Medal Travel Group handles more than 275,000 travel bookings a year and is one of the biggest tour operators to Dubai.

This coupled with dnata’s experience in the Emirate will strengthen the companies’ inbound travel services and support continued tourism growth in the UAE.

“This is a significant strategic partnership between two global brands, and will accelerate the growth trajectories of both Gold Medal Travel Group and dnata,” said Steve Barrass, managing director, Gold Medal Travel Group.

“Post this transaction, Gold Medal Travel Group will continue as the exclusive provider of scheduled air travel and car rental products to Thomas Cook UK and we look forward to combining forces with dnata to expand our offerings to our customers.”

“Netflights.com and Pure Luxury further position dnata as an international leader in travel services, able to offer customers superior travel options,” added Andrew.

“Having the combined strength of guaranteed distribution through our independent agents, OTAs, wholesalers, and Thomas Cook UK allows us to source the very best product and offers from our close industry partners.”

The acquisition is effective from today 2014, with no interruption to the services offered by Gold Medal Travel Group.

The business will continue under the Gold Medal Travel Group branding.